Dialogue with the Minister of Economy

At the meeting with the Minister of Economy, Mr. Petrashko, in the Ukrainian CCI several hot issues were discussed that are on the agenda in the relationship between business and government. Especially, when we are in crisis due to the world economic collapse.

The first question, raised by the President of Chernihiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kostyantyn Ivanov, was concerned the increase of the electricity supply tariff. This problem affects every producer of goods and services in Ukraine. And it has, unfortunately, already become a fact that goes against all anti-crisis declarations in support of small and medium-sized businesses.

This decision of the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Utilities (NCRECP) was adopted on July 10 and will inevitably lead to higher prices for goods and services and reduce the competitiveness of Ukrainian producers in foreign markets.

Unfortunately, Mr. Ihor Petrashko could not formulate the position of the Ministry of Economy on this issue, except for his own negative attitude.

However, business lacks the position of the Ministry in this unequivocal anti-economic situation, which will be recorded in the next Doing Business rating as a factor that significantly worsens the business climate in Ukraine.

The second question is about the parameter of national localization, which the Government, the Ministry of Economy and Ukrainian producers would like to include in the public procurement procedure.
At the meeting with the Minister we expressed our requirement for the implementation of this norm.

The analysis of the European experience in this field demonstrates the complete identity of the principle of preferences for own (local) producers in the EU. There is a relevant Directive on this theme, which recommends members of the European Community in public procurement procedures to form the parameter of national localization as such, which is considered fair in the national markets of EU members.

The Minister Mr. Petrashko supported our position and heard the voice of all regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry. We hope that in this example, the Ministry of Economy will support an important anti-crisis, transparent and fair measure for the implementation of PROZORRO system and all other mechanisms of public procurement in Ukraine.